Toy vehicle launcher

ABSTRACT

A toy vehicle launcher comprising a housing defining multiple inlets and an outlet. The housing further defines a cavity in which a resilient rotating member is located. The resilient member is positioned to engage an upper surface of a toy vehicle passing through the housing. A crank arm is coupled to the housing and movable by a user to rotate the resilient rotating member to propel the toy vehicle.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to toy vehicle accessories, and in particular toy vehicle accessories for launching or propelling a toy vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Toy vehicles that are able to roll across a floor, track, or other surface have been a constant source of fun and entertainment for children. A child commonly plays with these toy vehicles by moving the vehicle along a surface or propelling the vehicle forward with the momentum generated from pushing and subsequently releasing the vehicle.

Toy vehicle launchers have been created that allow a child to propel or launch a toy vehicle more easily and/or at a greater velocity. Generally, a child loads a toy vehicle in the launcher and then activates the launcher to propel the vehicle. In one example, the child pushes a button on the launcher that allows a spring or biasing member to propel the vehicle. In another example, the child provides a force (such as depressing or smashing a lever) that the launcher translates to a propulsion force that launches the vehicle. Launching multiple toy vehicles with such launchers typically require the repeated action of loading a vehicle into the launcher and then activating the launcher to propel the loaded vehicle. Thus, it is difficult for a child to launch multiple vehicles in rapid succession, for instance when the child desires to have multiple toy vehicles race on the same track.

Therefore, there is a need for a toy vehicle launcher that allows a user to easily load and launch toy vehicles. Furthermore, there is a need for a toy vehicle launcher that can launch multiple toy vehicles in rapid succession. Additionally, it is desirable that the toy vehicle launcher can be continuously loaded with additional toy vehicles while successively launching the vehicles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a toy vehicle launcher that allows a user to launch multiple vehicles in rapid succession. A crank arm coupled to the toy vehicle launcher is used to spin a rotating member (such as a flywheel) inside the launcher. One or more toy vehicles are then loaded into the launcher via an inlet in the rear of the launcher. As the rotating member is spinning, the rotating member successively engages the upper surfaces of the toy vehicles being loaded into the launcher and continuously propels the toy vehicles through an outlet in the front of the launcher. This vehicle launching feature of the toy vehicle launcher brings additional entertainment and play value to toy vehicles and track sets.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a toy vehicle accessory is provided. The toy vehicle accessory comprises a housing defining multiple inlets and an outlet. The housing further defines a cavity in which a resilient rotating member is located. The resilient member is positioned to engage an upper surface of a toy vehicle passing through the housing. A crank arm is coupled to the housing and movable by a user to rotate the resilient rotating member to propel the toy vehicle.

In one or more embodiments, the multiple inlets are vertically displaced in the housing. In further embodiments, an outlet cover is attached to the housing and positioned over the outlet. Typically, the inlet receives the toy vehicle at a first speed and the resilient rotating member propels the toy vehicle out of the outlet at a second speed that is greater than the first speed. In a preferred embodiment, the resilient rotating member is a flywheel. The crank arm further comprises a lateral extension that provides a grip for pushing or pulling the crank arm.

In another aspect of the present invention, a toy vehicle launcher is provided. The toy vehicle launcher comprises a housing defining a cavity. The housing comprises an inlet, an outlet, and a channel through the housing connecting the inlet to the outlet. The inlet, outlet, and channel are sized to allow a toy vehicle to pass through the housing. Additionally, a flywheel is positioned over the channel inside the cavity. The flywheel is positioned to engage an upper surface of a toy vehicle passing through the housing. A crank arm is operatively connected to the flywheel. Moving the crank arm causes the flywheel to rotate and propel the toy vehicle. Typically, the inlet receives the toy vehicle at a first speed and the flywheel propels the toy vehicle out of the outlet at a second speed that is greater than the first speed.

Typically, the inlet is positioned in the rear of the housing and the outlet is positioned in the front of the housing. In one or more embodiments, the housing comprises a plurality of inlets connected to the outlet. In one instance, the plurality of inlets are vertically displaced on the rear of the housing. In further embodiments, the inlet is positioned in a downward angle to the channel. Additionally, an outlet cover is attached to the front of the housing and positioned over the outlet.

One or more gears operatively connect the crank arm to the flywheel. In one or more embodiments, the crank arm comprises a lateral extension that provides a grip for pushing or pulling the crank arm to rotate the flywheel. In one instance, the crank arm is pushed forward towards the outlet to rotate the flywheel. The flywheel further maintains rotation when the crank arm is pulled back towards the inlet. In another instance, the crank arm is pulled back towards the inlet to rotate the flywheel. The flywheel further maintains rotation when the crank arm is pushed forward towards the outlet. In some embodiments, the crank arm is restricted to a limited range of motion. In further embodiments, an outer circumference of the flywheel comprises a resilient flexible material.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. It is to be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating some embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration and not limitation. Many changes and modifications within the scope of the invention may be made without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention includes all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout:

FIGS. 1A-D illustrate various views of a toy vehicle launcher in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 1A provides a rear perspective view, FIG. 1B provides a rear view, FIG. 1C provides a front view, and FIG. 1D provides a side view;

FIGS. 2A-C illustrate various views of a toy vehicle launcher in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2A provides a rear perspective view, FIG. 2B provides a side view, and FIG. 2C provides a rear view;

FIGS. 3A-B illustrate various views of the toy vehicle launcher of FIGS. 1A-D connected to a track segment and speed indicator, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3A provides a front perspective view and FIG. 3B provides a rear perspective view;

FIGS. 4A-B illustrate various views of a toy vehicle launcher connected to a track segment and speed indicator, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4A provides a front perspective view and FIG. 4B provides a rear perspective view;

FIGS. 5A-B illustrate various views of the toy vehicle launcher of FIGS. 4A-B with the housing removed. FIG. 5A provides an elevated perspective view and FIG. 5B provides a side view; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a toy vehicle launcher, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A toy vehicle launcher according to the present invention allows a user to continuously load and launch multiple toy vehicles. Generally, the toy vehicle launcher has a housing defining a cavity. The housing includes at least one inlet, an outlet, and a channel in the housing cavity that connects the inlet to the outlet. The inlet, outlet, and channel are sized to allow toy vehicles to pass through the housing. A rotating member is positioned over the channel inside the housing cavity. Furthermore, a crank arm is operatively connected to the rotating member. Manually moving or pivoting the crank arm causes the rotating member to spin or rotate.

While the rotating member is spinning, a user loads the launcher by inserting a toy vehicle into the inlet. As the inserted toy vehicle passes through the housing, the rotating member engages the upper surface of the toy vehicle. The spinning motion of the rotating member allows the rotating member to propel the toy vehicle out of the housing through the outlet. By continuously inserting toy vehicles into the launcher, the launcher is able to successively launch multiple toy vehicles.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-D, a toy vehicle launcher 100 is shown having a housing 102 with multiple inlets 104, 106 (see, e.g. FIG. 1A) and an outlet 108 (see, e.g. FIG. 1C). FIGS. 1A and 1B show a top inlet 104 vertically displaced above a bottom inlet 106 in the rear of the housing 102. By providing more than one inlet, toy vehicles can be loaded into the launcher 100 through different pathways. For example, a horizontal track may be connected to the bottom inlet 106 of the launcher 100. This allows vehicles traveling along the horizontal track to enter into the inlet 106 and subsequently be propelled by the launcher 100. A user may also directly load a toy vehicle into the launcher 100 by inserting the vehicle into the top inlet 104. In other instances, a second track may be connected to the top inlet 104, which allows vehicles traveling along the second track to enter into and subsequently be propelled by the launcher 100. Embodiments of the invention also include toy vehicle launchers having any other number of inlets (e.g. 1, 3, 4). For instance, FIG. 4B shows a launcher 400 having a single inlet 404. Furthermore, a launcher having a plurality of inlets may have the inlets positioned in various configurations, including different patterns of vertical and/or horizontal displacement.

Referring back to FIGS. 1C and 1D, toy vehicles are launched from an outlet 108 positioned in the front of the housing 102. An outlet cover 110 is attached to the housing 102 and positioned over the outlet 108. The outlet cover 110 provides a protective guide that ensures the launched vehicle travels in its intended direction, for instance horizontally along the floor or track. The outlet cover 110 also prevents the vehicle from being unintentionally launched into the air, which may cause injury or damage to people and objects. Embodiments of the invention also include toy vehicle launchers having any other number of outlets (e.g. 2, 3, 4). A plurality of outlets allows the launcher to propel vehicles in different directions or along different tracks. Additionally, each outlet may be connected to a different inlet or multiple outlets may be connected to a single inlet.

A crank arm 118 is located on the side of the launcher 100. The crank arm 118 includes a lateral extension 120 that provides a grip for a user to manually pivot or turn the crank arm 118 using a pushing or pulling motion. The crank arm 118 is operatively connected to a rotating member within the housing 102 (see, e.g. the rotating member 504 in FIGS. 5A and 5B). A user spins the rotating member located inside the housing 102 by moving the crank arm 118.

Embodiments of the invention include the crank arm in various default positions depending on how the crank arm is moved to spin the rotating member. In one instance, as shown in FIG. 1D, the default position of the crank arm 118 of the launcher 100 is in an upright configuration that is approximately perpendicular to a base 112 of the launcher 100. In this configuration, the crank arm 118 is pushed forward in the direction of arrow A (i.e. towards the outlet 108 or front of the housing 102) to rotate the rotating member.

FIGS. 2A-C show another embodiment of the toy vehicle launcher. Here, the default position of the crank arm 218 of the launcher 200 is in a horizontal configuration that is approximately parallel to a base 212 of the launcher 200 (see, e.g. FIG. 2B). In this configuration, the crank arm 218 is pulled back in the direction of arrow B (i.e. towards the inlets 204, 206 or rear of the housing 202) to rotate the rotating member. In yet another instance, the crank arm can be pivoted from any starting position to rotate the rotating member and therefore does not have a default position.

Referring back to FIGS. 1A-D, the housing 102 of the launcher 100 also includes a base 112 that provides stabilization to the launcher 100. This is beneficial when a user is operating the crank arm 118, as well as when toy vehicles are being launched from the launcher 100 at a high speed. The base 112 further includes connection members 114, 116 in the rear (see, e.g. FIGS. 1A and 1B) and front (see, e.g. FIGS. 1C and 1D) of the launcher 100. The connections members 114, 116 allow track sections or other accessories to be connected with the bottom inlet 106 and outlet 108, respectively, of the launcher 100. Examples of track sections that may be connected to the launcher include straight pathways, loops, jumps, ramps, inclines, declines, turns, and combinations thereof.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show an exemplary embodiment of a track section 300 connected to the outlet 108 of the launcher 100. In this instance, the track section 300 is a straight track that includes a speed indicator 302 positioned near the end of the track section 300. The speed indicator 302 provides a visual representation of the speed of a launched vehicle traveling along the track section 300 based on how hard the vehicle engages a tab on the indicator 302 that extends into the path of travel of the vehicle. Furthermore, connection member 114 also allows a track section to be connected to the bottom inlet 106.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show another embodiment of a toy vehicle launcher 400 with a connected track section 410. The toy vehicle launcher 400 has a housing 402 and a crank arm 408 pivotably coupled to the housing 402. The housing 402 further defines an inlet 404 and an outlet 406. A horizontal track section 410 is connected to the outlet 406 and a speed indicator 412 is positioned near the end of the track section 410. A user loads the launcher 400 by directly inserting a toy vehicle into the inlet 404. The loaded toy vehicle is then launched out of the outlet 406 and travels along the track section 410. The speed indicator 412 provides a visual representation of the speed of the launched vehicle when it passes through the speed indicator 412 and engages a tab in the path of travel of the vehicle.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the toy vehicle launcher 400 is shown with the housing 402 (see, e.g. FIG. 4B) removed. A channel 502 connects the inlet 404 to the outlet 406. The inlet 404, outlet 406, and channel 502 are sized to allow a toy vehicle to pass through the housing. A rotating member 504 is positioned over the channel 502. The rotating member 504 is positioned to engage an upper surface of a toy vehicle passing through the housing. In a typical embodiment, a user loads a toy vehicle into the launcher 400 by placing a toy vehicle into the inlet 404. From the inlet 404, the toy vehicle travels along the channel 502 and engages with the rotating member 504. In one or more embodiments, the inlet 404 is connected to a downwardly angled ramp or surface 508 leading to the channel 502. The downwardly angled ramp 508 causes the toy vehicle to move towards the rotating member 504 after being loaded into the launcher 400.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the crank arm 408 is operatively connected to the rotating member 504. More specifically, one or more gears 506 are used to operatively connect the crank arm 408 to the rotating member 504. The number of gears 506 and gear ratios used may be adjusted based on the desired rotation speed of the rotating member 504 and/or the force required to operate the crank arm 408. Furthermore, the direction that the crank arm 408 is moved to spin the rotating member 504 (e.g. pushed forward or pulled back) may also affect the number of gears used. Embodiments of the invention include different crank arm 408 movements for spinning the rotating member 504. For example in one embodiment, the crank arm 408 is continuously rotated by a user to make the rotating member 504 spin accordingly.

In an example process for launching a toy vehicle, a user first moves the crank arm 408 to cause the rotating member 504 to spin. The user can reciprocate the crank arm 408 back and forth to cause the rotating member 504 to spin or rotate more quickly. While the rotating member 504 is still spinning, the user loads a toy vehicle into the launcher 400 through the inlet 404. The toy vehicle travels along the channel 502 and comes into contact with the spinning rotating member 504 positioned above the channel 502. The frictional contact between the outer surface of the rotating member 504 and the upper surface of the toy vehicle allows the rotating member 504 to propel the toy vehicle out of the launcher 400 through the outlet 406. The rotating member 504 is typically spinning at a high speed and accelerates the toy vehicle when it is launched by the toy vehicle launcher 400 (i.e., the speed of the vehicle leaving the outlet of the launcher is greater than its initial speed entering the inlet of the launcher).

In one or more embodiments, the rotating member 504 is made of a resilient material (such as rubber, elastomer or other elastic polymers) that allows the rotating member to slightly compress/deform and provide sufficient frictional contact with the top surface of the toy vehicle. In other embodiments, the rotating member 504 is made of a firm or hard material (such as thermoplastic polymer, metal or wood) and an outer band or layer forming or covering the circumference of the rotating member is made of a resilient flexible material (such as rubber, elastomer or other elastic polymers).

In one embodiment, the rotating member 504 is a flywheel that has several curved resilient members or vanes that support an outer ring or band. Depending on the orientation of the rotating member 504 relative to the housing, the vanes can be curved forwardly or rearwardly (see FIG. 5A or FIG. 5B). Moving the crank arm 408 repeatedly spins the flywheel up to speed and gives it a high rotational inertia. This rotational energy is stored by the flywheel, which allows the flywheel to continue rotating even when movement of the crank arm 408 has stopped. While the flywheel is rotating, toy vehicles may be continuously loaded and launched with the launcher.

In one instance, as shown in FIG. 1D, the crank arm 118 is pushed forward in direction A towards the outlet 108 (i.e., clockwise) to rotate a flywheel inside the launcher 100. The flywheel maintains its rotation when the crank arm 118 is pulled back towards the inlets 104, 106 (i.e., counter-clockwise). This allows a user to spin the flywheel up to speed by repeatedly pushing and pulling the crank arm 118. In another instance, as shown in FIG. 2B, the crank arm 218 is pulled back towards the inlets 204, 206 (i.e., counter-clockwise, in direction B) to rotate a flywheel inside the launcher 200. The flywheel maintains its rotation when the crank arm 218 is pushed forward towards the outlet 208 (i.e., clockwise). This allows a user to spin the flywheel up to speed by repeatedly pulling and pushing the crank arm 218.

In one or more embodiments, the crank arm is restricted to a limited range of motion while pulling and/or pushing the crank arm. In other instances, the crank arm is continuously rotated in a clockwise direction to spin the flywheel up to speed. The stored rotational energy allows the flywheel to maintain its rotation even when the user has stopped rotating the crank arm.

Manually moving the crank arm to spin the rotating member eliminates the extra costs associated with using an electric motor and batteries to spin the rotating member. Additionally, the speed that the crank arm is rotated by a user directly affects the speed that the toy vehicle is launched from the launcher. In other words, the faster a user moves the crank arm, the faster the vehicle travels when launched from the toy vehicle launcher. This adjustable variability in launching toy vehicles provides enhanced play value when compared to other vehicle launchers in the art.

FIG. 6 shows a launcher 600 with a “floating” flywheel 602. The flywheel 602 sits in a carriage 604 that can swing/pivot along the directions of arrow C while still maintaining an operative connection with the gear assembly 606 in its full range of motion. In the instant embodiment, the outer band of the flywheel 602 is made of a resilient rubber material that contacts the upper surface 616 of the toy vehicle 618. The carriage 604 allows the position of the flywheel 602 to be automatically adjusted to the height of the toy vehicle passing through the launcher 600. The constant downward gravitational force on the flywheel 602 ensures that sufficient frictional contact is created between the flywheel 602 and the upper surface 616 of the toy vehicle 618, even for toy vehicles of varying heights. Preferably, the flywheel 602 is weighted such that optimum frictional contact is achieved.

As an example, when a toy vehicle having a height greater than the toy vehicle 618 passes through the launcher 600, the taller toy vehicle pushes the flywheel 602 upwards. On the other hand, when a toy vehicle having a height less than the toy vehicle 618 passes through the launcher 600, the flywheel 602 moves downward. In both instances, the flywheel 602 is able to maintain contact with the upper surface of the toy vehicle. This feature allows the flywheel 602 to continuously propel toy vehicles even if the toy vehicles entering the launcher 600 have different heights.

The launcher 600 in FIG. 6 also includes a pivotable ramp 612. The ramp 612 pivots about the axis 614 and allows a toy vehicle to enter into the launcher 600 through either the top inlet 608 or the bottom inlet 610. The ramp 612 is downwardly angled in its default position (as shown in FIG. 6). This downward angle naturally directs a toy vehicle entering through the top inlet 608 towards the flywheel 602. Furthermore, the ramp 612 is pushed upwards in the direction of arrow D when a toy vehicle enters through the bottom inlet 610 and moves towards the flywheel 602.

Although the disclosed inventions are illustrated and described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the inventions and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.

Moreover, it is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points or portions of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. Further, the term “exemplary” may be used herein to describe an example or illustration. Any embodiment described herein as exemplary is not to be construed as a preferred or advantageous embodiment, but rather as one example or illustration of a possible embodiment of the invention.

Finally, various features from one of the embodiments may be incorporated into another of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the following claims. 

1. A toy vehicle accessory, comprising: a housing defining multiple inlets and an outlet, the housing defining a cavity in which a resilient rotating member is located, the resilient member being positioned to engage an upper surface of a toy vehicle passing through the housing; and a crank arm coupled to the housing and movable by a user to rotate the resilient rotating member to propel the toy vehicle.
 2. The toy vehicle accessory of claim 1, wherein the multiple inlets are vertically displaced in the housing.
 3. The toy vehicle accessory of claim 1, further comprising an outlet cover attached to the housing and positioned over the outlet.
 4. The toy vehicle accessory of claim 1, wherein each of the inlets receives the toy vehicle at a first speed and the resilient rotating member propels the toy vehicle out of the outlet at a second speed that is greater than the first speed.
 5. The toy vehicle accessory of claim 1, wherein the resilient rotating member is a flywheel.
 6. The toy vehicle accessory of claim 1, wherein the crank arm comprises a lateral extension that provides a grip for pushing or pulling the crank arm.
 7. A toy vehicle launcher comprising: a housing defining a cavity, the housing comprising an inlet, an outlet, and a channel through the housing connecting the inlet to the outlet; a flywheel positioned over the channel inside the cavity; and a crank arm operatively connected to the flywheel, wherein moving the crank arm causes the flywheel to rotate and propel a toy vehicle.
 8. The toy vehicle launcher of claim 7, wherein the inlet is positioned in a rear of the housing and the outlet is positioned in a front of the housing.
 9. The toy vehicle launcher of claim 8, wherein the inlet, outlet, and channel are sized to allow the toy vehicle to pass through the housing and the flywheel is positioned to engage an upper surface of the toy vehicle passing through the housing.
 10. The toy vehicle launcher of claim 9, wherein the inlet receives the toy vehicle at a first speed and the flywheel propels the toy vehicle out of the outlet at a second speed that is greater than the first speed.
 11. The toy vehicle launcher of claim 7, wherein the housing comprises a plurality of inlets connected to the outlet.
 12. The toy vehicle launcher of claim 11, wherein the plurality of inlets are vertically displaced on a rear of the housing.
 13. The toy vehicle launcher of claim 7, wherein the inlet is positioned at a downward angle with respect to the channel.
 14. The toy vehicle launcher of claim 7, further comprising an outlet cover attached to a front of the housing and positioned over the outlet.
 15. The toy vehicle launcher of claim 7, wherein an outer circumference of the flywheel comprises a resilient flexible material.
 16. The toy vehicle launcher of claim 7, wherein one or more gears operatively connect the crank arm to the flywheel.
 17. The toy vehicle launcher of claim 7, wherein the crank arm comprises a lateral extension that provides a grip for pushing or pulling the crank arm to rotate the flywheel.
 18. The toy vehicle launcher of claim 17, wherein the crank arm is pushed forward towards the outlet to rotate the flywheel and the flywheel maintains rotation when the crank arm is pulled back towards the inlet.
 19. The toy vehicle launcher of claim 17, wherein the crank arm is pulled back towards the inlet to rotate the flywheel and the flywheel maintains rotation when the crank arm is pushed forward towards the outlet.
 20. A toy vehicle accessory, comprising: a housing having an inlet and an outlet, the housing defining a cavity through which a toy vehicle can travel, a resilient member rotatably mounted in the cavity of the housing, the resilient member being positioned to engage a toy vehicle passing through the cavity of the housing; and a crank arm coupled to the housing and to the resilient member, the crank arm being movable by a user to rotate the resilient member to propel the toy vehicle. 